Hundreds of child abuse cases reported in Dallas Co. in 2024

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

April is child abuse prevention month — and advocates are trying to raise awareness about the issue of child abuse and prevention.

The Dallas County community gathered in support of the Central Alabama Regional Child Advocacy Center. They planted pinwheels along the gate outside the center. Each pinwheel represents an abused

child.

“And they’ll stay up for the rest of the month as a reminder for the community that child abuse does happen here,” said CAC Executive Director Lauri Cothran.

“When they plant a pinwheel or when they see a pinwheel, they can understand that that represents a child.”

Cothran says child abuse is this country’s dirty little secret — and a huge problem. And child advocacy centers stand up for the safety and well-being of children — who’ve suffered through traumatic experiences.

“It’s a place where they can come and tell their story,” she said.

“We focus on how we can help them, how we can make them the most comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.”

Cothran says there were 270 reported cases of child abuse reported in Dallas County in 2024 — but she says most cases go unreported.

“The majority of people that perpetrate against children are people they know. And a large number of those are people that are in their family. And some of the things that we hear have been you know just horrific.”

She says raising awareness about the issue of child abuse — hopefully will help increase reporting — and reduce number of cases.

“We need people to come together to be on the lookout. If you see something, say something.”

If you would like to find out how you can help prevent child abuse — call the Child Advocacy Center at 334-875-0890.